A great night was had by all 60 locals who attended the screening of the documentary "Lions Holiday'' at the AGM of the Avalon Beach Historical Society last Tuesday evening, September 8.
In 1971 the Avalon Lions Club arranged for 100 young Aboriginal children from Brewarinna, Warren and other far-west areas to visit the area and stay with local families for 10 days.
The producer and commenter, Bob Connolly, an old Avalon Beach boy, introduced his documentary from the ABC's "Big Country" and followed it up with a fascinating insight into a discussion of 'black and white Aussie kids' in a 'question time'. A newspaper report at the time stated:
"It was an emotional, sometimes awkward experience for everyone involved - this coming together of people of different backgrounds".
Bob also talked about his recent efforts to trace the life of the main character of the story, Dallas.
The Society's inaugural Life Member, John Stone, also screened some marvellous 'stills' which he had taken while hosting 2 young Aboriginal girls from Brewarinna.
Some of the children wished they could have spent more time with the families and some families attempted to adopt some of their 'visitors'.
Keep in touch via the Society's website and Facebook page.
John William Stone's photos include our visitors arrival, a trip to Luna Park and even a fun day over at Little Mackerel (Currawong) Beach, as it was then called, and The Basin:
